SOUTH PORTLAND — A Ferry Village man was jailed on an arson charge Sunday night after roommate troubles flared into a potentially life-threatening incident.

James R. Griffin, 52, of 107 Stanford St., was arrested after police and firefighters were called to investigate a report of a kitchen fire at his home around 8:20 p.m., city and state officials said Monday.

“He lit a small fire on the kitchen table in an effort to force his roommate to move out,” said Sgt. Ken Grimes of the state Fire Marshal’s Office. “There was very minor damage to the table, a cabinet and the floor.”

An unnamed witness reported the incident as it was happening, police said. Griffin’s roommate, Michael Wedge, was awakened by the commotion and fled the single-family house unharmed, Grimes said.

Griffin was being held on $1,000 bail at the Cumberland County Jail after being arraigned Monday afternoon in Cumberland County District Court, the jail intake officer said.

Arson carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, Grimes said.

This story was changed at 9:22 a.m. on June 5 to correct an incorrect address provided by the fire department.

Here at MaineToday Media we value our readers and are committed to growing our community by encouraging you to add to the discussion.

To ensure conscientious dialogue we have implemented a strict no-bullying policy. To participate, you must follow our Terms of Use. Click here to flag and report a comment that violates our terms of use.